An American Widow Ending Explained: What Happened and Why?
Complete breakdown of the climax, final twists, and spoilers for An American Widow.
An American Widow Ending Explained: Wealthy American widow Elizabeth Carter plans to marry the Earl of Dettminster when lawyer Augustus Tucker informs her of a codicil in her late husband's will. Directed by Frank Reicher, this 1917 comedy film stars Ethel Barrymore (Elizabeth Carter), alongside Irving Cummings as Jasper Mallory, H. Dudley Hawley as Earl of Dettminster (as Dudley Hawley), Ernest Stallard as Augustus Tucker. Rated 0/10, the conclusion has sparked discussion among viewers.
What Happens at the End of An American Widow?
Wealthy American widow Elizabeth Carter plans to marry the Earl of Dettminster when lawyer Augustus Tucker informs her of a codicil in her late husband's will. The Carter fortune will go to nephew Pitney Carter, who is in love with Elizabeth, if her second husband is not an American. Elizabeth therefore pays penniless playwright Jasper Mallory $50,000 to marry her and schemes with actress Mme. Albani to provide grounds for divorce so that she may then make the earl her third husband.
Frank Reicher's narrative builds toward a resolution centered on Ethel Barrymore (Elizabeth Carter)'s journey. The Carter fortune will go to nephew Pitney Carter, who is in love with Elizabeth, if her second husband is not an American.
How Does Ethel Barrymore (Elizabeth Carter)'s Story End?
- Ethel Barrymore: Ethel Barrymore's storyline wraps up in the final act, though some viewers have found the resolution more ambiguous than expected.
- Irving Cummings (Jasper Mallory): Irving Cummings's role in the climax proves pivotal to how the central conflict resolves.
- H. Dudley Hawley (Earl of Dettminster (as Dudley Hawley)): H. Dudley Hawley's character undergoes a significant shift in the final act.
What Does the Ending of An American Widow Mean?
The ending of An American Widow brings the narrative to a close, though viewer reception has been mixed. The resolution of Ethel Barrymore's story may not satisfy all audiences.